You've got zero from the blue line WITH Gus so far.
- mohel

Small sample. He had 60 pts last year. Nobody else on that Hawks Dcore comes close to his abilities. Just honestly think how bad we’d be at generating offense from a Dcore of Keith, Seabs, Maatta, de Haan, Murphy, and Gilbert/Koekkoek...it’s such a dreadful concept I don’t even wanna imagine it for another second...

Yeah, I must have missed all the PP production he was generating.

I’m ready for a change on the bottom pairing. Someone who can play replacement-level defense would be refreshing.
- Chief4Feathers

Who’s gonna produce offense on the blue line and PP if not Gus? Certainly not 2 or 7 at their ages....de Haan and Maatta the defensive specialists? Murphy? What’s his career high in pts like 15? Slater (frank)ing Koekkoek???

I honestly feel like everyone wanting Gus gone and replaced with another defensive minded defenseman isn’t using their damn heads...

And NOT ONE person has been able to answer my question of who replaces what Gus does. Because there is no answer. Because nobody can. And if we traded him we’d be a worse team overall than we are with him. With quite possibly the most offensively inept Dcore in NHL history.

Small sample. He had 60 pts last year. Nobody else on that Hawks Dcore comes close to his abilities. Just honestly think how bad we’d be at generating offense from a Dcore of Keith, Seabs, Maatta, de Haan, Murphy, and Gilbert/Koekkoek...it’s such a dreadful concept I don’t even wanna imagine it for another second...
- SimpleJack

Not for nothing, but Seabrook and Maatta both have helped generate chances from the blueline. Granted they are not the same dynamic skater and creator that Gus is, but they both have gotten shots through and Maatta has had a number of nice rushes where he even goes behind the net.

I'm not saying they should or shouldn't trade Gus. Just saying that there are other guys on the blueline generating offense.

Not for nothing, but Seabrook and Maatta both have helped generate chances from the blueline. Granted they are not the same dynamic skater and creator that Gus is, but they both have gotten shots through and Maatta has had a number of nice rushes where he even goes behind the net.

I'm not saying they should or shouldn't trade Gus. Just saying that there are other guys on the blueline generating offense.
- Chunk

This was a noble attempt at a legitimate answer to my question. But let’s be real if the 2019 version of Seabs and Maatta are the top offensive threats on your teams Dcore then, like I said, your Dcore might just be the most offensively inept Dcore in NHL history.

Boqvist is the only RH shot in Rockford and I believe only 1 of 3 in the system along with Mitchell and Moberg.
- AEL_Fox

I stand corrected: in addition to Boqvist, Mitchell, and Moberg, Ryczek and Ramsey are also D prospects who are RH shots. Don't expect much out of either of them, i.e. career minor leaguers or Europe bound.

Boqvist and Mitchell, of course, have the most upside with potential to be #1 pair material (at least top 4).

Moberg is a sleeper/dark horse prospect, IMO. He played well at Traverse City. Has good leadership qualities, seems to be a great teammate, unleashes a big shot, and skates decently despite a lumbering and lanky appearance. He's a 2019 draft pick so still early to tell but my guess so far is he would project to be as a 5/6/7 defender bringing a Sopel-like style if he ever makes it.

Didn't get to see the first Philly game (which sounds like a good thing from what I've read), so interested to see how the team plays them this time.

Even though the last two games have been losses, definitely something to build off of and hopefully get all 2 pts this game.

I was encouraged by their play vs the Knights most of all though. The Hawks haven't beaten them once in the now 2+ years of their existence; but I recall all three of the games last year being of the ugly variety.

Who’s gonna produce offense on the blue line and PP if not Gus? Certainly not 2 or 7 at their ages....de Haan and Maatta the defensive specialists? Murphy? What’s his career high in pts like 15? Slater (frank)ing Koekkoek???

I honestly feel like everyone wanting Gus gone and replaced with another defensive minded defenseman isn’t using their damn heads...

And NOT ONE person has been able to answer my question of who replaces what Gus does. Because there is no answer. Because nobody can. And if we traded him we’d be a worse team overall than we are with him. With quite possibly the most offensively inept Dcore in NHL history.
- SimpleJack

I’m honestly getting tired of the Gus debate (as I continue in the Gus debate... I’m aware of the irony).

Gus is a defensive liability who needs to produce at a regular offensive pace to offset his negatives. If he’s not doing that, then it’s best to replace him with a defensemen who is better at defense. He’s not the catalyst for the PP right now (which is the only way I advocate having him in the line up), so it’s time to address the team’s other, more pressing needs.

I understand your argument about his points production, but currently, this roster’s serious shortcomings lie in defensive concerns (5v5, PK), so that is what I’d focus on when making blue line roster decisions. In addition, any current concerns about offensive production would be more effectively addressed by reforming the line combinations, particularly the top 6 (e.g. putting Toews/Kane and Strome/Dcat back together).

No roster can be strong everywhere, there’s always going to be an area of concern or something that lacks depth. That’s just the nature of a salary-cap world. But the glaring weakness of the Hawks roster isn’t offensive production from the blue line. It’s a nearly league-worst goals-against average and PK. Unless Gus is lighting it up offensively (he isn’t) he should sit in lieu of a defenseman who is serviceable on actual defense. Now, should there come a time when we enter the bizarro world and the Hawks actually have a defense and PK shut down on lock - but can’t seem to manage scoring goals - then perhaps you consider inserting a guy like Gus into the line up to see if it helps address that concern.

I’m going to try to exercise some personal discipline and stay out of the Gus conversation moving forward as it’s getting tedious and I’m sure people are tired of seeing my posts on it.

Didn't get to see the first Philly game (which sounds like a good thing from what I've read), so interested to see how the team plays them this time.

Even though the last two games have been losses, definitely something to build off of and hopefully get all 2 pts this game.

I was encouraged by their play vs the Knights most of all though. The Hawks haven't beaten them once in the now 2+ years of their existence; but I recall all three of the games last year being of the ugly variety.
- HawkintheD

Yep, there are a lot of positives to be taken from the last couple of games. Overall, it’s clear there’s a higher compete level with this team. Work along the boards, battles for loose pucks, etc. Also, for the most part we’re not watching a clown show in our own end chasing the puck around for extended shifts. Lehner’s recent comments about this team being close to “getting it” and having positive results certainly passes the snicker test. Hopefully we see it tonight.

Who’s gonna produce offense on the blue line and PP if not Gus? Certainly not 2 or 7 at their ages....de Haan and Maatta the defensive specialists? Murphy? What’s his career high in pts like 15? Slater (frank)ing Koekkoek???

I honestly feel like everyone wanting Gus gone and replaced with another defensive minded defenseman isn’t using their damn heads...

And NOT ONE person has been able to answer my question of who replaces what Gus does. Because there is no answer. Because nobody can. And if we traded him we’d be a worse team overall than we are with him. With quite possibly the most offensively inept Dcore in NHL history.
- SimpleJack

At least 2 and 7 would throw the puck at the net. All Gus has done is have zero shots on the last 2 games. He simply stands at the blue line and dishes off left or right with the occasional venture down below the face off dot.

You're getting zip from him now how would putting anyone else out there be any worse?

I actually like the amount of grit and back checking I’ve seen from all 3 of those guys so far this season, especially Cat and Nylander.
- SimpleJack

I must say, although not Selke ready yet....I also have been pleasently surprised by the play by Nylander. I see a lot of Leaf games here in Canada and the other Nylander in Toronto may have more natural skill and offensive touch, but our Nylander seems to have just a touch more grit and doesn't shy away from contact near as much. I really thought he would be much worse along the boards and when having to fight for pucks. But, he has been a nice surprise. Not as wimpy as I was led to believe.....so far...

Small sample. He had 60 pts last year. Nobody else on that Hawks Dcore comes close to his abilities. Just honestly think how bad we’d be at generating offense from a Dcore of Keith, Seabs, Maatta, de Haan, Murphy, and Gilbert/Koekkoek...it’s such a dreadful concept I don’t even wanna imagine it for another second...
- SimpleJack

I love the optimism over praying for tanking from last year. Gus, like everyone else, is off to a slow start. I wouldn't mind if he went though. Seabs still has a booming shot, Maatta does what he can, and Boq is the heir to Gus's lineup spot. What he will do? Idk. But our forwards are way to talented not to score, but as long as goals against are down from last year, consider me a more than happy fan. Gus isn't good on the pp in my eyes & there is no "defense" in his game.

I must say, although not Selke ready yet....I also have been pleasently surprised by the play by Nylander. I see a lot of Leaf games here in Canada and the other Nylander in Toronto may have more natural skill and offensive touch, but our Nylander seems to have just a touch more grit and doesn't shy away from contact near as much. I really thought he would be much worse along the boards and when having to fight for pucks. But, he has been a nice surprise. Not as wimpy as I was led to believe.....so far...
- hawk35

I've come away with the same thought and have been surprised he isn't anywhere near the lavender sniffer or in this case Nylavender sniffer we were all led to believe.

As you mention, maybe Willie is the true Nylavender in the family.

I've come away with the same thought and have been surprised he isn't anywhere near the lavender sniffer or in this case Nylavender sniffer we were all led to believe.

As you mention, maybe Willie is the true Nylavender in the family.
- HawkintheD

Yep, that Kneelander kid is OK so far.

I've come away with the same thought and have been surprised he isn't anywhere near the lavender sniffer or in this case Nylavender sniffer we were all led to believe.

As you mention, maybe Willie is the true Nylavender in the family.
- HawkintheD

you forget that Stan acquired Alex... that makes him a soft player and automatic bust.

Interesting comments by McKenzie recently about the Hawks and Murphy’s placement on LTIR. He said the cap savings could potentially be used to cover any performance bonuses resulting from Dach staying with the team for the rest of the season. Nothing confirmed or inside sources on it - just his perspective/thoughts.

Interesting comments by McKenzie recently about the Hawks and Murphy’s placement on LTIR. He said the cap savings could potentially be used to cover any performance bonuses resulting from Dach staying with the team for the rest of the season. Nothing confirmed or inside sources on it - just his perspective/thoughts.
- Chief4Feathers

I wonder how that would work, I didn't think cap space from LTIR could be carried forward.

I wonder how that would work, I didn't think cap space from LTIR could be carried forward.
- DarthKane

My understanding is that the performance bonus could be covered this year if there was remaining cap space to cover it. Any excess performance bonus above and beyond the remaining cap space would be carried forward to next year.

Is that the correct application/treatment of performance bonuses or do they all automatically apply to the next year regardless of remaining cap space?

Yep, that Kneelander kid is OK so far.
- Chief4Feathers

I’m ok with OK, for now. The skill is definitely there and so far he hasn’t completely vanished in games or pulled a Perlini.

Think you mentioned competing for pucks and that is something he has done where he came in labeled being contact averse. Not sure if this is something JC is coaching but from that standpoint alone, the team in general has been more enjoyable to watch.

I know we still don’t have that desirable heavyweight fighter wasting a roster spot that we’ve all been clamoring for, but at least this team isn’t just floating around and having their lunch money taken on a nightly basis.

you forget that Stan acquired Alex... that makes him a soft player and automatic bust.
- DarthKane

That needs to be factored in for sure. Other than Smith, I’ve really liked Stan’s other acquisitions by trade/FA so far.

I liked Kahun but Maata, like Nylander has also been better than I thought he’d be. I thought we were getting a 2019 version of Kimmo if some of the scouting reports on here were to be believed.

That needs to be factored in for sure. Other than Smith, I’ve really liked Stan’s other acquisitions by trade/FA so far.

I liked Kahun but Maata, like Nylander has also been better than I thought he’d be. I thought we were getting a 2019 version of Kimmo if some of the scouting reports on here were to be believed.
- HawkintheD

It’s not only who he got - but how he got them. Both Maatta and deHaan were acquired via trades that didn’t appreciably diminish the roster in the exchange AND weren’t signed via free agency to some ridiculous $/term like we saw with some other defensemen this offseason. Avoiding some anchor contract while improving the team isn’t always easy.

That needs to be factored in for sure. Other than Smith, I’ve really liked Stan’s other acquisitions by trade/FA so far.

I liked Kahun but Maata, like Nylander has also been better than I thought he’d be. I thought we were getting a 2019 version of Kimmo if some of the scouting reports on here were to be believed.
- HawkintheD

All the scouts on here have sources so they know what they're talking about!

It’s not only who he got - but how he got them. Both Maatta and deHaan were acquired via trades that didn’t appreciably diminish the roster in the exchange AND weren’t signed via free agency to some ridiculous $/term like we saw with some other defensemen this offseason. Avoiding some anchor contract while improving the team isn’t always easy.
- Chief4Feathers

That doesn't sound right. I've read here time and again about how Bowman is a moron, particularly for handing out rich deals to our vaunted "Core".

They won 3 Cups but that means what exactly to a franchise that has a rich tradition in winning?

That doesn't sound right. I've read here time and again about how Bowman is a moron, particularly for handing out rich deals to our vaunted "Core".

They won 3 Cups but that means what exactly to a franchise that has a rich tradition in winning?
- HawkintheD

Well, everyone knew the Seabrook contract was bad the day it was inked - but yeah, Stan did a nice job this offseason for the most part.

Well, everyone knew the Seabrook contract was bad the day it was inked - but yeah, Stan did a nice job this offseason for the most part.
- Chief4Feathers

Agree. Definitely winced a bit when he re-signed Seabs to that deal. Still hard to believe there are 4 yrs left on it.

That doesn't sound right. I've read here time and again about how Bowman is a moron, particularly for handing out rich deals to our vaunted "Core".

They won 3 Cups but that means what exactly to a franchise that has a rich tradition in winning?
- HawkintheD

A few have been slagging Toews, Strome, ADB etc. lately because their production isn't there. All summer most of these same posters were lamenting how pathetic JC and his defensive system was and that Crawford was there when, not if, when JC failed. I noticed the team defense has been better, players seemed to have bought into JC's system and the team looks allot more competitive. So now instead of discussing this improvement, that was never going to happen, they turn on the offensive production of the team and a few specific players.

When a team learns a new system they almost always sacrifice offensive as they work on and understand their defensive responsibilities. We saw it in 2009, we see it in most sports but we also see the offensive production return once the players feel comfortable with their new found defensive responsibilities. I expect in mid Novemeber the offense will pick up and the team will also continue to play a sound defenisive game. Of course these same posters who don't seem to want to see the positive will then find new "problems", I'm guessing it will be the team doean't hit, they aren't good on faceoffs and the post goal song sucks.